Young People in Research

Doing research with children can help us understand what children think about the issues that are affecting them. But any research with children must balance the aims of the research with the safety and wellbeing of the participants. By providing the right support and knowing when to take appropriate action, researchers can ensure that children feel respected and can participate safely.

Children participating in research attend regular appointments for study procedures, assessments and review; sometimes this is a whole day visit. It is important that children who have agreed to participate in clinical research are appropriately supported and encouraged to attend all study visits and assessments in order to maintain study integrity and ensure that research findings are valid and meaningful. Keeping participants occupied during what might be a long clinic or hospital visit, is key to maintaining their interest in, and commitment to, taking part in the research.